NECAC service coordinators to assist in Missouri homeless count Wednesday

BOWLING GREEN, Mo. — NECAC will participate in a statewide effort to document the homeless in Missouri. The annual Point in Time Count is set for Wednesday, Jan. 22. NECAC service coordinators in 12 counties will visit locations frequented by homeless people or work with agencies that deal with the homeless.

The 2024 count showed 7,338 homeless people in the state – 4,954 sheltered and 2,384 unsheltered. Sheltered refers to people who are in emergency, safe or transitional housing. Unsheltered refers to people who are on the streets or living in vehicles or places not considered shelters.

“The Point in Time Count serves as a vital tool for communities to understand the scope of homelessness in their area,” NECAC’s Kayla Wasson said in a press release. ”By providing accurate data on both sheltered and unsheltered individuals, it helps the local government and organizations allocate resources effectively, develop targeted solutions and track progress in reducing homelessness. This effort not only informs federal funding decisions but also empowers communities to create lasting change for their most vulnerable populations.”

The census will assess the number of homeless people following regulations set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD requires the count occur biennially during the winter to gauge progress towards national goals of reducing and ending homelessness. In addition, the Missouri Balance of State Continuum of Care conducts an annual count to better track trends and needs of the homeless.

 The final numbers will be used to develop programs and direct funding to assist the homeless.